HERBAGE MAGAZINE Feb/March 2022 ISSUE 41

GROWING COMMUNITY MAR 2022

Sarah Lee

Gossett Parrish Excellence. Efficiency. Integrity.

405/815-3434 slgparrish@slgparrishlaw.com www.sarahleegossettparrish.com

lawyer cannabis | litigation | oil & gas

Herbage Magazine ISSUE NUMBER 41 Mar-April 2022

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THE COVER Was provided by Brett Hicks of Durenat, Oklahoma. This cover image was selected to represent the rise of positive energyin our community and industry.

For more from Brett Hicks please visit her social media at Instagram

@Brett_Hicks

CAKE BOSS REVIEW

BY HOPPER / PAMELA JAYNE

PG 4-8 / TRIGGERS TO SUCCESS IN A SATURATED MARKET

BY WHITE BARN BUD RANCH

PG 30 / TAROSTROLOGY

BY ANNA ERVIN

PG 13 / WHAT IS THE SAFE BANKING ACT

BY SARAH LEE GOSSET PARISH PG 14-15 / HAS NATURES KEY CRACKED THE CODE?

BY JESSI LANE

PG 33 / STRAIN OF THE MONTH: MOWDY FARMS

BY JAMES BRIDGES PG 33 / UNIVERSAL CANNABIS 101

BY JASMINE HARVEY PG 35 / FREEDOM FLOWER

BY CHET TUCKER PG 37 / LOTUS LETTERS

BY CATHLEEN BARKER

PG 19 / ANANDAMIDE

BY KEVIN FERDOWSIAN, JD

PG 39 / EXPLORATION OF MINDS

BY KATHY BARKER

PG 20-21 / THE BUDTENDER DIARIES

BY ANNA ERVIN

PG 41 / FAITHFUL HEALING

BY CARISSA ROWE

PG 26-27 / A FACE OF A MILLION FACES

BY MICHAEL KINNEY

PG 43 / THE CANNXIETY CHRONICLES

BY CHARLES “UNCLE CHUCK” DUNCAN

PG 28 / THE CHRONISSEUR

BY PAMELA JAYNE

PG 46 / THOUGHTS FROM THE OKIE-VERSE

PG 29 / FULL POWER CANNABIS

I looked up and I remembered what he said.

I was told I shouldn’t be scared of the dark. Though, I was never warned of the light. He always wanted to do his best.

PG 3 / LOOK UP

BY JAMES BRIDGES

PG 9 / THE FULL SPECTRUM DIFFERENCE

BY BRETT HICKS

Look Up

by James Bridges

He told me that if I look into the light long enough. I might see past it. The dark spots that I would’ve appear in my eyes as a child would make worried mothers pull out their own hair, then slap the father that gave the notion.

When I was finally able to see what he was talking about I didn’t need to stare anymore. I noticed that everyone around me was still looking up into the sky so I observed.

What I noticed were parents training their children to be scared. I noticed people covering their faces so they couldn’t see the dark after the light had passed. I would see the same parents commit acts of darkness, even too dark for the offender to notice.

I wanted to tell them that it wasn’t that frightening, but I didn’t know how. The looks from others that believed opposite felt like daggers in my chest.

I wanted them to stop turning away and covering their faces. I wanted, rather, for there to be mirrors. Maybe then they may see that they themselves are beautiful with both light and darkness surrounding them.

© Trichome Pony Photography

Triggers To Success In A Saturated Market

White Barn Bud Ranch

by James Bridges

© Trichome Pony Photography

Triggers To Success

In A Saturated Market White Barn Bud Ranch The Oklahoma cannabis market has openly worn the title “Wild West of Weed” for a few years now. Thousands of prospective entrepreneurs and marijuana advocates alike have rushed to the red dirt plains of this historically boom or bust state to try their hand at this so called “green rush”. Large multi-state operators and family farms alike have setup shop, and now more than three years into medical legalization the competition for market share has never been fiercer. For many investors in the space that may cause alarm, however the Elias Family and members of the White Barn Bud Ranch team seem to embrace it. “At the end of the day, our goal is to try and bring the highest quality raw medicine to the market. We believe there will always be a place for clean high potency cannabis.” Explains Eric Elias, head of sales and co-owner of White Barn.

Eric, and his brother Corey, never quite imagined they’d end up working together considering their drastically differing career paths. Eric has been a part of the home building industry in Tulsa for nearly 27 years, while Corey has been working in the IT world since its infancy.

“It all started off with a simple phone call from my little brother,” Spencer Elias, Grower and co-owner of White Barn Bud Ranch explains while gesturing towards his younger of kin and fellow co-owner, Trevor Elias. “Yeah I’d started working up here for my Uncle Corey when he’d taken up this new grow business. We needed someone to help us get our flower onto store shelves and knew my brother had recently found a real passion for cannabis, so I called and asked if he wanted to come check the farm out.”

“I remember showing up to this rickety old red barn and giant white metal building sitting on a big plot of land just north of Tulsa. This wasn’t necessarily my first time in a commercial grow, but I remember being absolutely awe struck by the size of the buds my Uncle’s team had been growing,” exclaims Spencer.

There was a single flower and veg room at the time with much of the building still being finished out. He went on to describe these bottle sized buds but quickly changed to the issues that came with it. “They were just unmanageable plants, yes we were getting weights and the flowers looked incredible, but it wasn’t feasible and you couldn’t dry them properly. The smoke quality was taking a heavy hit because they were having to speed up the process to prevent potential mold problems. The

flavor was just off.” None the less Spencer would still go out and find enough success selling the product that his parents began to take interest.

“My parents realized the passion I had for this plant, I’d been growing while I was at OU along with my roommate and nextdoor neighbor. My friends and I always had the grand plan of opening our own grow together since 788 had just passed. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to bring them along on this venture, but still do my best to keep in touch and am beyond thankful they were there to push me to follow my dreams.” Elias continued to follow his calling, relentlessly pestering his family to assist him in pursuing his own grow. His father expanded on, “he kept at us, Spencer was convinced he’d find a way to grow commercially. It was great to see him pursuing something he seemed to care so deeply for. There was just a new spark in him.”

When Corey’s farm reached the point that it needed to be producing more product the Elias families partnered up and rebranded the grow, known today as White Barn Bud Ranch.

Spencer began his journey as the grower, while Eric and Trevor were laying the ground work on the road going door to door to build their brand. “Something a lot of people find unique about our grow is that we keep our point of sales very limited. The only way dispensaries or processors are able to purchase WBBR product is directly through my Dad or myself,” Trevor explains.

It may seem a little old school to some, but the Elias family takes great pride in who they work with and want to be able to make those personal connections with their partners. Spencer chimed in to state, “No one is going to have the same love and care for our product as the people helping produce it. My dad and brother have to sit and listen to me gush about our strains and their characteristics, what this one is good for and why certain people should avoid this plant, so on and so forth.”

Speaking about the people that love and care for the plants, Spencer is under the firm belief that his team is as solid as they come. “We’ve been very fortunate to be surrounded by a bunch of likeminded individuals that have the same, over the top, level of passion for this plant. Every one of them has made substantial sacrifices to make sure our girls always come first.” He goes on to explain how his girlfriend, Molly Dudley, has taken a major role on at the grow. Earning the endearing title of Metric Molly around the farm. “She makes sure we stay organized and on task, her biggest challenge is keeping myself in check,” Elias goes on, “I’m really just the idea guy at the end of the day, she helps me bring them all to life.”

Cheryl Price and her son Jonah have been with the farm since the beginning. Cheryl is one of the lead cultivators and helps run the operations of White Barn Bud Ranch. She’s also considered by many on the crew as well as those that have dealings with White Barn as the barn mom. “I love working with this group of people. I feel like my heart has found a spot to rest safely.”

Jonah Price described how working with such an outstanding bunch of people has given him the ability to grasp comfort. He says that working with intelligent and caring family members has given him the inspiration to grow personally. He wears a ton of hats for the organization, however he says he knows that everyone else has just as many important hats in their collection.

There are a number of others that all play a significant role in getting this product ready for market. However, Spencer continuously notes one thing, “Everyone in that barn has the ability to do any job necessary. This is a group that is eager to learn and adjust on the fly.” From the sound of it Elias is always tinkering and trying to figure his plants out. “We don’t necessarily have the same SOP for each strain. The more we run a certain cut the more we can hone it in. I’ve got a big library of notes and records of the sixty or so strains we’ve cultivated here and make adjustments based on past batches. I’m sure these guys are fed up with me changing our techniques constantly, but they still go and make it all work.”

“One thing I really tried to key in on as I was transitioning from sales to growing was providing a constant variety. When I was out selling previously I’d have two or three strains with me. I realized quickly that these stores wanted a variety of top shelf products.” Thankfully for Spencer, that was right in his wheel house. “I’ve always been a genetics’ junky, popping seeds and really hunting for specific structures, smells, colors, and flavors.

Having cannabis that has unique identifying factors that set it apart from what else is out there is just as important as being able to produce clean product. You have to give people a reason to want to try your flower.” Now to meet the variety White Barn is looking for not everything is found in house. “We get a lot of selections from Beleaf and other farms because they’ve put in the proper time and effort to find some special cuts. It’s not just about what yields heavy for us, it’s about how unique the flower is and how it stacks up when compared to our other cultivars.”

It wasn’t just the variety where Spencer saw the opportunity to set their farm apart. “Our process contains nothing that I wouldn’t mind exposing myself to. We aren’t using pesticides, PGRs, or any kind of foliar sprays outside of a diluted HCLO solution. Even that I don’t use once the plants have started budding.” He continued on to talk about their intense defoliation techniques and longer term drying process. “It really is key to not over dry this plant or do it too quickly. You want to preserve

those terpenes and give the consumer a smoother smoke at the end of the day. When I first showed up here it was five days drying and out the door. Nowadays it can be a full month until our harvest is heading out of the door. In large part due to our low and slow drying process which I believe results in a more flavorful and less harsh smoke, but also because of our in-house trim team. Everything that leaves this facility is hand trimmed, the goal is to keep those outside trichome heads attached and the product looking and smoking consistent.”

One thing is certain, White Barn is more than happy to have the variety. “We understand that the market isn’t what it was even six months ago, we are having more small orders from buyers than ever. Thankfully we are supplied with enough of a variety to help keep their top shelves stocked. The whole goal of being a one stop bud shop is to help alleviate the constant juggling of deliveries by these dispensaries. At times, they can almost seem overwhelmed by the amount of incoming product they have from multiple people or the lineup of salesmen eager to show them the next great strain, we just want to make it easier on them at the end of the day.” Explained Eric Elias. “They just give us a call, we come to the store to show them what we have available at the time and get a drop to them as soon as they need it.”

“My family really didn’t know many people in the industry at the time we started all of this. Everything for the longest time was just cold call after cold call and it took a while to get traction. We started to visit weed events like the Cowboy Cup and Harvest Fest and really made some great connections there and next thing I know my phone won’t quit buzzing. I have to keep it on silent now just to get anything done.” Spencer and the whole room broke out into laughter. “Yeah, yeah, yeah you can blame the dispensaries for why it’s so hard to get ahold of me.”

Spencer sat and reflected deeply before speaking, “It really does blow my mind to think a year and a half ago we all were doing something completely unrelated to cannabis. We had the love and passion it takes to make White Barn Bud Ranch work and just so happened to come together at the right place and time. Sometimes it really takes someone asking the right questions to take a step back and see just what all this has meant for the team and myself. I’ve always been highly critical of my work in whatever I do, just a bit too much of a perfectionist. If I’ve learned anything from all of this it’s that with a little patience and persistence a group of likeminded people can really create whatever they dream possible. I’m beyond thankful for everyone that has played a role in shaping WBBR into what it is today.”

© Trichome Pony Photography

It’s obvious that the ultimate goal for White Barn is to bring clean and effective medicine to the people of this state. While it may not always be all of the glitz and glam that so many people expect when it comes to the legal cannabis market. This team has continuously found a way to work together to overcome hardships and times of uncertainty while finding a whole new meaning to a family business in the wild and ever-changing Oklahoma market.

7

© Trichome Pony Photography

The Full

Spectrum Difference

by Brett Hicks The year is 2022 and the cannabis industry in Oklahoma is almost 4 years old. Described by many as the wild west, it has been a learning experience for even those well versed in the legal cannabis space.

During its second year of existence, our industry faced the harsh realities of a global pandemic. A nightmare surely felt in industries worldwide; ours is an industry that is chained to brick-and-mortar sales until federal legalization. While thousands of retailers were able to “shift” and launch their product lines online, dispensary owners braced themselves for what looked like a major storm rolling in.

We, as a global community, will be feeling the wide array of effects from the COVID Pandemic for many years. And then, for many years after that, we will be studying this moment in time, trying to learn from it.

One major shift in society was the amount of attention on HEALTH. And what each person’s definition of health really is. And what the thought of losing that health would make us sacrifice or change. Do you remember the people in their hazmat suits in the Cheerio aisle? We saw that shift in our patients in front of our eyes. Now questioning everything from the people they came in contact with, all the things they touched, the direction in which others breathed upon them…fear and confusion were universal.

Cannabis was no exception to this new hyper-awareness.

In fact, it became a focal point for many.

taste and medicinal benefits of the original flower strain.

Because we are doing everything we can to mimic the effects of smoking the flower in its original form, it is vitally important that our source material is Hicksford Farms Elite Medicine.

Whether it be flower, prerolls, cartridges, edibles, RSO, or our array of concentrated and infused products, the source material (Hicksford Farms Flower) is held to the very highest standard.

Wherever you fall on the food spectrum; double pepperoni pizza or super berry kale salad; you know that the way your food is created affects your mental health, physical health and energy levels. On that same thread of thinking; isn’t it important to know how your cannabis is made before you smoke it, eat it or vape it?

It mattered before the pandemic and matters now. It mattered when cannabis was first reported for its many uses approximately 12,000 years ago. And it matters in 2022.

We know too much now to go backwards; the existence of our Endocannabinoid system is no longer a question.

It is a fact and we are evolved enough to know that what works best is the full plant working synergistically in your body. This is often referred to as the entourage effect; when cannabinoids working together create a balance in your mind, body, and spirit.

Cannabis is the great equalizer; the promoter of homeostasis, the answer to your bodies questions. Grown the right way; with intention and integrity, clean cannabis is always the right choice. Pura Vida and thanks for reading!

At Good Oil Boys, CannaMed, and Hicksford Farms, the foundation of our business is this: What you put in your body matters. Plain and simple. Now, the patients have a decision to make for themselves. What do I want to consume? How much do I know about the cannabis I am consuming? Is this cannabis free from chemicals, toxins and any other harmful contaminants? How much does the person selling me this cannabis know about what I am purchasing from them?

Because we run our retail storefronts under the seed-tosale mentality, our patients would be hard-pressed to find a product that our bud-tenders do not know every detail of. One of the primary outputs of our lab is our Full Spectrum Oil - available via vape cartridge, activated syringes and strain-specific gummies. All of these products are made thru CO2 extraction, which is a method that allows the extractor to keep the cannabinoids of the plant intact.

Nothing is added and nothing is taken away. During this process, we are able to collect the that are at a super concentrated level. (Terpenes are the essential oils of the plant that we can thank for all of the scent, taste and a large part of the medical benefits of cannabis.) We use this oil and terpene in a ratio to best reflect the effect,

© Brett Hicks

9

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Sarah Lee

Gossett Parrish

WHAT IS THE

Excellence. Efficiency. Integrity.

SAFE BANKING ACT & WILL CONGRESS PASS IT

THIS YEAR?

by Sarah Lee Gossett Parrish, Cannabis Lawyer

What is the SAFE Banking Act? The Secure and Fair Enforcement (SAFE) Banking Act is a piece of federal legislation that was first proposed in 2017 by Representative Ed Perlmutter, a Colorado Democrat representing the 7th District in that state. It passed the United States House of Representatives a total of six times before being added to the House’s bipartisan America COMPETES Act, which was passed on Friday, February 4, 405/815-3434 2022, largely along party lines with a vote of 222-210. lawyer slgparrish@slgparrishlaw.com cannabis | litigation | oil & gas www.sarahleegossettparrish.com Despite having 40 bipartisan Senate cosponsors, the legislation has not been taken up for debate or a vote in that body, ever. In the past, Senate leadership has either refused to move SAFE Banking as a stand-alone bill or has permitted the SAFE Banking language to be removed as an amendment from other legislation in conference committee – a scenario that most recently occurred in December 2021.

While Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has stated that federal legalization of marijuana is a priority for him, he needs 60 senators to support it in the 50-50 Senate, and advocates have been lobbying to legalize it for quite some time. So…time will tell.

Most beltway pundits agree that the best hope for federal reform in 2022 is SAFE Banking, reasoning that if Congress cannot agree on SAFE Banking, which has bipartisan support, then it is unlikely Congress will pass a bill ending prohibition. Still, with only two states where there is no legal use, meaning cannabis is legal for adult and/or medical use in 48 of the 50 states (currently, Idaho and Nebraska are the only states in which it is not legal for some purpose), it really is a question of WHEN, not IF Congress will end the federal ban.

In the interim, we have a document that has become known as the FinCEN Memo, issued February 14, 2014, by the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network. The FinCEN Memo was intended to provide guidance for financial institutions that seek to provide services to marijuana-related businesses by clarifying Bank Secrecy Act expectations.

Generally speaking, The SAFE Banking Act would provide protections to financial institutions serving marijuana-related businesses in states where it is legal. The legislation would protect financial institutions from prosecution for money laundering (and potentially other charges) when they provide banking and other commercial services to marijuana-related businesses operating legally in states where marijuana sales are permitted. It would thus allow state-licensed marijuana-related businesses to engage freely in relationships with banks and other financial institutions, allowing them to accept credit-card payments, open checking accounts, and apply for loans.

An increasing number of banks and credit unions have started working with marijuana-related businesses in recent years.

However, credit unions and banks that do choose to work with cannabis companies are forced to file onerous reports known as Suspicious Activity Reports with FinCEN.

Why do we need The SAFE Banking Act? Really, there are five reasons why the country needs it:

1. FINANCING. Marijuana-related businesses need and deserve the option to borrow money, and the ability to work with a bank will present more opportunities to obtain funding. The lack of lending opportunities currently available to cannabis businesses perpetuates high costs along with the lack of access to capital – facts that are increasingly widening the gap between large and small businesses in the cannabis space when it comes to chances of success.

2. CREDIT CARD ACCESS. Customers would be able to use credit cards to purchase marijuana and marijuana-related businesses would have better ways to track spending and income.

3. DIMINISH CASH VIOLANCE AND ADDRESS PUBLIC SAFETY CONCERNS. The massive amounts of cash generated by marijuana-related businesses pose a danger to the business owners and their employees, the customers and patients, innocent bystanders, and those transporting the cash, the last of which, unbelievably, now includes armored car companies who have basically been hijacked not by criminals but by the FBI and local law enforcement authorities who have seized cash by weaponizing civil forfeiture.

4. IRS PAPER TRAIL. Cash transactions are easier to conceal from the IRS, while funds deposited in financial institutions are much easier for the IRS to track and trace. One would think that this alone would have motivated Congress to enact The Safe Banking legislation years ago. Not so.

Of course, The Safe Banking Act does not reconcile the obvious hypocrisy of the federal government in refusing to legalize cannabis while insisting that marijuana-related businesses pay federal taxes to the IRS, a fortiori that they do so without the benefit of the usual deductions afforded to every other state legal business thanks to Section 280E of the Internal Revenue Code, which does not allow for ordinary and necessary business deductions. In fact, the only deduction allowed marijuana-related businesses is for the cost of goods sold. Other normal business expenses such as advertising, insurance, and salaries can be completely lost if not accounted for properly by a capable cannabis CPA. Notably, the lack of deductions results in potential tax liability on gross profit for marijuana-related businesses, instead of net profit—a situation that differs from that of any other state legal business in the country.

Nonetheless, if The Secure and Fair Enforcement (SAFE) Banking Act finally makes it into federal law, it will certainly be a step in the right direction for marijuana-related businesses and the financial institutions that work with them.

So, what’s the take-away? Stay tuned. This year may be full of surprises when it comes to cannabis legislation, not only at the state level but perhaps on the federal front as well.

13

Has Nature’s Key

Cracked the Code?

As a Caregiver for my pediatric child on the Autism Spectrum, I reach for Nature’s Key gummies every morning because I have come to rely on the consistency of their ratioed products. I underBy Jessi Lane, Patient Advocate stand that as we progress through our cannabis as medicine journey, it may become necessary to adjust one’s cannabinoid formulations and delivery systems. Due to my patient data journalis a writer and Oklahoma Cannabis industry ing, with the cooperation of our support system, I found my patient’s response levels plateaued professional since 2018. after roughly 6 months of consistent complex cannabis as medicine treatment. Upon switching to She is a Certified Can- another brand’s formulation and titrating our consumption level I was uneasy about the at-home nacian III and Trichome Institute Certified Can- manipulation of that edible required to achieve our desired dose. My patient was now sleepier than nabis Consultant with expected during the day. When manually cutting an edible down I understand there is no certainty a “full spectrum” Post- of milligrams from piece to piece; especially when recalibrating new-to-us individual brand formupartum Wellness backlations. I found myself in a Caregiver conundrum. ground.

I was introduced to the Nature’s Key brand by fellow Caregiver Autism Mom, Tarra Quinn, of High Hopes. She shares, “My son Henry has Autism, ADHD and developmental delays and he struggles to regulate his emotions. I started Henry on the 25:5 Vegan gummies to help calm him down and give him some peace.

The taste and texture are perfect for kids with sensory issues.” Tarra is on to something. My Spectrum kiddo also struggles with food aversions and enjoys the flavor of the Nature’s Key gummy, not to mention the quick dissolving Vegan gummy is gone before we know it and he is not left to endlessly chew as the minutes pass by. The gummies are manufactured at a ratio that we previously had to manipulate the other brands’ edibles to achieve. The Nature’s Key 3% variance guarantee gives me dosing confidence. In association with his nightly full spectrum tincture, the Nature’s Key Therapeutic gummy sets my child up for success every morning. We are receiving more gold star days and although they still happen, we are seeing less meltdowns and can mitigate them quickly.

I sat down with Nature’s Key CEO, Nathan Richter. He is kind, approachable, and matter of fact. He is a licensed Attorney in Oklahoma and Georgia and holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Oklahoma with a Juris Doctorate from Oklahoma City University School of Law. He is a US Army Veteran who also dabble in Genetics. Mr. Richter is committed to enhancing the quality of life for Oklahoma patients with wellness in all they do. While this may be true, the real key to his cracking the Oklahoma Cannabis market code is his recognition that he cannot do it alone. Refreshing, isn’t it?

Nature’s Key understands the value of forming healthy lasting vendor alliances by uplifting cannabis industry professionals - at all levels - through comradery and education. Nathan believes education equals trust. Their revolutionary Budtender University and patient outreach initiatives, including their Sleep Trials and Battle Buddy Trials, are second to none. Did you know Nature’s Key has generously given away over 20,000 Battle Buddy capsules during their trials?

They are dedicated to fostering honest and transparent relationships with their consumers, many of whom are children and Seniors. Nature’s Key really does provide a product for every patient.

Partnering with Medical Advisor Dr. June Chin, Nature’s Key provides valued reassurance to Oklahoma cannabis as medicine patients that most Oklahoma brands cannot provide. Dr. Chin received her medical degree from Touro University in San Francisco and her BS in Nutrition and Food Science, Biochemistry from Cornell. She sits on many prestigious boards including the Association for Cannabis Health Equity and Medicine and is the Chief Medical Advisor for CannabisMD.com. Dr. Chin has dedicated her medical career to finding effective, integrative, and holistic approaches to patient care.

Nature’s Key products are “backed by science and made with state-of-the-art precision” in their FDA certified, soon to be GMP certified, manufacturing facility. Their source material is provided in partnership with vetted isolate and distillate extraction partners who meet all of Nature’s Key strict requirements including COAs showing no less than 90% THC.

Recently I caught a Virtual Budtender session with Nature’s Key VP of Corporate Relations and Brand Management Joe Hager. Joe tells us, “There’s a Why for everything here at Nature’s Key.” He follows, “We aren’t the high-pressure sales team running around Oklahoma and believe our patients know best. We would put our products against anyone else in Oklahoma.” During his session Joe charismatically emphasizes the importance of titration and complex cannabinoid profiles and introduces some of the renowned Nature’s Key products. He is naturally animated and incites a smile. It is clear why industry professionals and patients trust Joe. Since his return from Afghanistan, Mr. Richter has lost twenty soldiers to suicide.

He tells us, “One life lost is way too many if it’s something we can help each other overcome.” Battle Buddy is a name recognized by Combat Veterans as one they can depend on at any turn of life. It is someone “who goes into the trenches with you and comes out of the trenches with you,” says Joe. Nature’s Key tells us the Battle Buddy THC-free capsules are a friend in your pocket- designed to temper your stress and “prevent spiraling out of control.”1 Nature’s Key patient Tarra Quinn shares, “I started using Battle Buddy when I was going through a stressful time in my personal life. I quickly noticed that my stress was easier to manage by taking the edge off and giving me some clarity throughout the day.” Nature’s Key understands that trauma rewires the brain. According to DomesticShelters.org, “For individuals who continually experience traumatic events, or who relive traumatic memories from their childhood as adults, this means the brain can rewire itself in such a way that sometimes causes us to feel overly stressed, even when there’s nothing overt to stress about.”2 The formula, of which Dr. Chin’s patients have seen impressive results for the last decade, is a blend of CBD, CBN, Ashwagandha, Lemon Balm, L-Theanine, and Ginseng, with the anticipated effects of reducing anxiety and mitigating symptoms of PTSD. The capsules are available in a two pack, a week’s supply, and a month’s supply. Nature’s Key wants us to know Battle Buddy and other products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

When it comes to Nature’s Key, wellness is decadent. Their team spent six months in R&D, working out the process and recipe for their delectable chocolate, including working with a food consultant offering 25 years’ experience with Hershey’s. Nature’s Key’s THC infused chocolate is available in 25mg two-piece and four-piece units. Their quality THC infused chocolate Brownies are available in 100mg and 500mg units.

Parents choose Nature’s Key Gummies because they offer only one gram of sugar with no sugar coating, no FDNC food dye, and no artificial colors. Created using state of the art equipment like Nature’s Key’s Servoform Mini depositor, they can produce 4,000 consistent gummies in 15 minutes. The gummies are available in micro, mixed ratios, and mega doses. These include the Therapeutic mixed ratios with a base level of 25mgs of CBD - coming soon in singles - in 1:1, 5:1 and 5:2. The Classic line is available in doses of 5-50mg of THC and comes in various flavor options. The 25mg Premium strain-specific line are formulated need-based gummies that come in catchy names like the cherryful Jumpstart Sativa, Sweet Dreamzzz Indica blended with 2mg Melatonin, Chill-axin Delta-8 and Oklahoma Sunrise CBD. By way of their Key to Nature’s Blessings website, Nature’s Key also offers an extensive natural and CBD oil infused national product line including pet treats, migraine care, tattoo aftercare, beard balm, bath soak, essential oil inhalers and other wellness products engineered to ease the symptoms of life. Nature’s Key CBD products undergo the same rigorous testing as their THC infused products. With these careful testing standards, they can guarantee Nature’s Key products are 100% safe to consume.

The future is bright for team Nature’s Key and their patients with the exciting announcement of the Nature’s Key app, currently in development. The app provides patients with data-based assessment surveys “that can track, trace, and monitor their consumption and experience to find the dose that works for them,” says Richter. The Nature’s Key app is slated to drop Summer 2022. Could it be that Nathan Richter has found the key to cracking not only the code to our market but also - with the help of his valued network - our complex Endocannabinoid Systems?

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Tarra Quinn Advertising Director Herbage

Magazine Tarra is responsible for developing, implementing and managing marketing campaigns that promote you and your products and/or services.

She can show you the power of Herbage marketing tools to help your business grow.

Tarra plays a major role in enhancing brand awareness within the digital space as well as driving website traffic and acquiring leads/customers.

Ask Tarra what Herbage Magazine has to offer through it’s Multi-Media platform.

Tarra@HerbageMag.Com

THC’s endocannabinoid counterpart

By Kevin Ferdowsian, JD

An attorney, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and homeopathic practitioner. Kevin graduated from Duke University and OCU law, and lives with his wife Anna and two children, Ivan and Arthur.

Because cannabis sativa contains more than .3% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), it is classified as a schedule I - status drug by the US federal government and is subject to a host of restrictions as a controlled dangerous substance.

These restrictions have severely limited broadscale rigorous studies on THC and its therapeutic value. That’s not to say research hasn’t been done. In fact, nearly $2 billion per year is spent to determine all the harmful effects of cannabis. The conclusion of our tax dollars at work? For people over eighteen, cannabis is relatively harmless.

We don’t have a lot of research on THC consumption in regards to therapeutic benefits.

We do know some applications at this point; for PTSD, opiate addiction, and various neurological disorders to name a few. But there is growing evidence that THC and cannabinoids in general, possibly in concert (entourage effect), may have substantial therapeutic applications. These include alleviating symptoms from cancer, inflammation, blood pressure and heart rate disorders, metabolic disorders, fevers, locomotion disorders, anxiety, irritable bowel syndrome, colon disorders, reproductive disorders, bacterial endotoxicity, cirrhosis of the liver, sepsis, central nervous system disorders, and even aging. That is an extensive list of ailments for which THC may treat.

If federal research has not been funded, and even private research is so highly regulated, how do we know these potential applications?

Basically, even though researchers are limited in their study of THC, there have been robust studies on its endocannabinoid counterpart: Anandamide. Anandamide (from the Sanskrit for “inner bliss”) is an endocannabinoid synthesized in all animals including primitive creatures such as nematodes. It binds to the same receptor as THC (CB1R) and induces similar psychotropic effects. These compounds, though molecularly distinct, are pharmacologically similar.

The list cited above is taken from recent studies on Anandamide; considering that THC mimics Anandamide and initiates the identical process, clearly future research should focus on THC as a therapeutic for many of these ailments.

LOVE

WHERE YOU WORK AND LIVE

Jordan Turner 918-740-7178 JORDAN.TURNER@KW.COM

Anandamide

DeA nn R ohr 918-693-1538 DEANN_ROHR@KW.COM

As a co-owner of multiple cannabis businesses, I am interested in the advocacy of researching THC for its therapeutic value as well as its cultural acceptance. We all should be. THC, along with other cannabinoids, could open the door to accessing the endocannabinoid system, a fundamental governing system that appears to regulate the activity of every other physiological system.

19

The Budtender

Diaries

Empower through Education

by Anna Ervin

“Hi there! I just read your article in the newest edition of Herbage and it really made a lot of sense! We were wondering if you might have some insight for us as a producer/cultivator on how to better reach and connect with budtenders. We have had some ideas like giving out swag, but does something like that really work? Or it is more of a personal connection that will seal the interest. Thanks a bunch, also congrats on the new column, really love your work!”

Hello friends! Thank you for the feedback, I am so grateful to hear that my words were received well. I am also thankful you brought up such a great question. The relationship between cannabis brands and budtenders is a topic I’ve been eager to explore. I’ve seen many different sides of the industry, from production to sales, and finally, retail.

I understand the dedication and time that it takes to cultivate medicinal cannabis, both the tenacity and psychology that go into sales and marketing, as well as the social awareness and constant industry research that fuel successful retail storefronts.

a unique combination of challenges. That’s why I wanted to start this series; to bridge the gap and invite empowering and educational conversations to take up space in the industry.

From a budtender’s perspective, I see three essential tools that every vendor and cannabis broker can utilitze to help dispensaries move their products off the shelves…

Because that’s the ultimate goal, right? The faster your products move, the sooner you’ll receive another order from inventory. I know that seems obvious, but you’d be surprised by the number of brands I hear about that reportedly believe delivering their products is the final step in solidifying a spot on the sales floor. The problem is, this method isn’t sustainable. Sooner or later, orders stop flowing in because products that lack the necessary marketing tools and information sit stagnant on dispensary shelves.

So what are those tools, and how can they benefit vendors?

Budtenders Are Patients Too First and foremost, it’s important to remember that the majority of people that make up the cannabis industry are also patients. If they aren’t, they probably have someone close to them who relies on cannabis for some sort of relief. In my opinion, this basic understanding is the key to empathizing with anyone you work with regarding cannabis.

Get to know the people selling your medicine. I carry a lot more confidence in the products I have been able to try firsthand.

Samples are a great way to get into the disRetail is where I’ve found myself most com- pensary, but once you are on the shelves, fortable recently, so I don’t pretend to un- challenge yourself to actually sell those derstand the exact sciences that go into the products to the budtenders first. If you can process of cultivating or processing canna- convince us to buy, you’re also empowering bis products. At the same time, I wouldn’t us to understand how to recommend that expect the average cultivator to fully com- medicine to patients. prehend the processes of marketing or moving products off the shelf. Each field requires its own set of skills and confronts

Empower through Education .A Nobody wants to be bad at their joberund to is ility budtender ’s responsib ling, stand the products they are sel a ails ent t tha t, and for the most par ch. lot of industry and market resear st boa t tha ts duc When I am selling pro rum” words like “organic” or “full-spect exat wh on but neglect to elaborate I am actly those processes look like, on niti defi r ade forced to rely on a bro this of those terms. Anyone reading ut abo dge wle with an inkling of kno ws cultivation or extraction likely knocan rum ect -sp that organic and full gs. both look like a lot of different thin

ual I often find myself looking for vis to tion rma info cues that help me relay bring the customer. So, when vendors and rs, flye t in infographics, produc ly to merchandise, I’m much more like ut abo ing talk spend a little more time ve their brand. When I’m trying to mo rinfo ch mu items that don’t boast as for mation, I will typically look onlinedisn bee I’ve more resources, and e appointed at times to find that som e littl y ver e vid really great brands pro or te bsi we ir marketing material on the social media.

ing.

Visual representation is everyth into fall ise and Sure, swag and merch re that category, customers are moarwe I’m if nd likely to ask about a bra ek, ing their t-shirt to work once a we ders e onc uld sho I’m not implying that budten this but I feel like the priority rinfo of ead shouldn’t also actively seek out riate again lean toward the spr knowledge, and the approp dors mation and education. questions that we should ask ven uld unabout their products is a topic I woThe When you go the extra mile to rs nde dte (bu t love to explore further later on. that derstand your marke and point I’m trying to drive home is long making up a good chunk of that), and e cat edu information and education go a partto provide valuable tools enway on the sales floor. Give your empower the sales floor, you are is a ut this t tha ners in retail a reason to talk abo ff suring dispensary sta tand your brand. team effort, and that you unders the ve mo p hel your responsibility to ry. I Visual Representation product beyond the point of delive phel n bee e hope these thoughts hav all of n! stio que r you So what is the best way to get ful and have answered es this information across to the sal store ns, floor? You could walk into the ’ve As always, these are just my opinio you if but it, bud for ak and simply vocalize spe and I certainly don’t as . ole wh a as ever played a game of telephonehow tenders, or the industry, a kid you probably understand sla, or spoken words often get lost in tranwith If you have any questions, stories Dir nde dte tion. Budtenders are often tasked task Bu comments about the to the daunting (but not impossible) tion se ries, please submit tho of remembering valuable informa e about each item they retail. In som anna@herbagemag.com difcases, this can mean dozens of que ferent brands or hundreds of uni products.

21

A Face Of A Million Faces

By Michael Kinney Trying to pin Andrew Martin down on a simple answer can seem like trying to drink water out of a thimble. The co-founder of Sherweed Forest admits it is a problem, especially when trying to explain what his company is.

Martin sees what Sherweed Forest is, but also what it can become. “We are not a traditional mechanism. I would say Sherweed Forest is an idea,” Martin said. “I don’t mean that in a cheesy, branding way. We didn’t start as a formal organization. We began this process as two guys from the town of Mannford (Okla.) and essentially identified a problem in the market that we saw was unfolding. We saw it as a fateful problem. If it wasn’t solved, it could be the fate of access to cannabis.”

Yet, it all started as a simple project. He and Branden Chaney were looking to find some cannabis.

While that may seem easy these days with a dispensary being on almost every corner around Oklahoma, the two friends were actually looking for a special kind of cannabis.

Chaney, who is a plumber by trade, suffers from severe pain in his back. His doctors had prescribed pain blockers as far back as 10 years ago in the middle of the opioid epidemic. Yet, they did not solve his problem.

But then in 2019, the two friends started to look into medical marijuana.

“We were trying to find the right, discreet dosing item for him that would actually be consistent and get him where he needs to be,” Martin said. “We weren’t able to find it at first. That kind of set us off on this particular angle.”

If somebody was new to cannabis and its effects and how to use it and they wanted to use it for a specific reason, they would use something like weed maps. But according to Martin, those are based on a broken system.

They would also use strain names, which Martin says are completely made up by the seller and can change the name when it’s not selling well. That makes finding the right product difficult. Martin and Chaney saw a problem and decided to fix it themselves. They created Sherweed Forest with the idea of educating those who use medical marijuana on what is the right product for them and why.

Sherweed Forest now also includes Brook Miller, Kayvon Taghizadeh, and Tarra Quin.

Andrew added, “I realized instantly after I first introduced the Bazaar and partnered with Brook as the lead events coordinator that he was the second half that would make the entire thing possible.”

Andrew then informed me that Kayvon keeps all of them on their toes. They do not want to become an inspiration for his stand up comedy. “He is a technology repair specialist by day. It is that level of attention to detail that he brings to to team that we couldn’t live without.”

Tarra Quinn, Advertising Director for Herbage Magazine, is an amazing asset to the Sherweed team.

“Personally, my son is a pediatric patient and this event allows me to medicate him monthly.” Tarra expressed her gratitude. “I also gain more knowledge by meeting the makers of his medicine.”

“We created Sherweed Forest to try and meet people and create an environment of the community,” Martin said. “We are just a collection of like-minded people who have a common cause. We create goals and try to accomplish them. There are opportunities for patients to find a product that almost feels made specifically for them. “What we are trying to do is make it easy for patients and for vendors to do this process, to be able to come together into a room and exchange information and education, and be able to try those products.”

From that concept, the Sherweed Forest’s Throw Down Bazaar sprung to life.

With the bazaar, Sherweed Forest partners with a local dispensary and holds a massive sale for lowcost cannabis and other products.

“We want to be able to give you a guide that can help you find that precision,” Martin said. “Whether you understand what that means or not.”

The first Bazaar was held in November of 2021.

Since then there’ve been three iterations of Sherweed Forest Throwdown Bazar. The most recent took place in January. The event raised more than $23,000, which is by far the most product the Throwdown has sold in their short run. However, while Martin said the Throwdown was a success, they also had to deal with a few hitches that kept it from being a total success to some involved. A big part of that was not anticipating the large swell in attendance.

“So, I take the blame for it, but I also own it. I wanted it to work like that. It just grew too fast. This was only the fourth one,” Martin said. “And we’ve been doing them about every 30 days. And their only complaint is that it was just a pressure system at the dispensary level and a bottleneck. And that’s just due to the insane amount of response.”

One of the reasons for the Bazaar’s quick growth was due to the generosity of Randy Luck, formerly General Manager of Kind Love and now GM of Bodega Boyz. According to Martin, Luve attended the second Throwdown event and really liked the concept, but also saw the low number of sales being made.

“So then he offered us a 0% markup, and that’s actually what made it blow up and get to the $23,000,” Martin said. “And made it what it is to this day. We just accepted that offer. But we only really had contact with him when it comes to Kind Love. So, it’s a lesson we learned in regards to, we don’t know how much the owner is necessarily on the same page or if they were or weren’t. And just a lesson we learned is to dig and be thorough in regards to getting our hands on the owner of collaboration, to make sure everybody’s on the same page.”

One of the factors they will have to consider going forward is the size of the dispensary. When they first started, they could hold the Bazaar at smaller stores because they weren’t getting a ton of people coming through the door. But now, the Sherweed Forest group has grown so fast in a short amount of time, that a larger facility may be needed in the future.

Disney process,” Martin said. “You know how Disney runs like an oiled machine. They’re all about that experience and everything is dialed in. My dream and goal for the next one, what I’m working hard on right now to ensure it happens, is that every patient who attends the event feels welcome and able to meet the makers of their medicine.”

“So that event went great. It just felt like we had a hard time knowing what was going on on the dispensary side,” Martin said. “And so we chose the small one because they would let us get behind the counter, in a metaphorical way. They let us work with them up to the point of the delivery of the product. And I was hoping that with my admin team, that would be helpful enough that a small shop would then be able to do the event.”

At the end of the day, it all goes back to the basic idea of educating people on the best cannabis and getting it at a lower cost. That has been the foundation of Sherweed Forest and Martin wants to make sure that is never forgotten.

Sherweed Forest has learned from the mistakes they have made and hopes to make future events run more streamlined, or as Martin says, like Disney. “The simplest answer is the process to be pristine from the moment that a vendor, and I’ll talk in dual terms here, the moment that a vendor or a patient enters the experience, whether that’s walking into the bazaar as a patient, whether that’s beginning their correspondence with us as a vendor, our dream is for that to be like a

“I want to be able to reach people where they’re at and with what they’re going through and where they are in life at this moment, and be able to come to their level,” Martin said. “I want this event to be able to find people where they are. It’s a free event. It always will be as long as I’m running it.”

Martin added, “We could not do this without the community. I myself am really just an artist who knows how to create expression and to generate awareness.

I am here in cannabis because I am a lover of the plant.

27

Part strain review and part insight into the current state of cannabis affairs and lifestyle, focusing mostly on local happenings, The Chronisseur was, and is, all about the love of the plant and the lifestyle it inspires. Now that Hopper is officially an Okie, The Chronisseur has found a home here at Herbage, where he will be reviewing strains and products from across the state each month.

A lot has happened since the last installment over a decade ago, but as much as things have changed, they have also stayed very much the same. Cannabis is still healing bodies and minds and uniting people from all walks of life, but it is not without challenges as the Oklahoma cannabis community navigates a Green Rush that has attracted national attention.

The Chronisseur

By Pamela Jayne

12 years and 1300 miles ago, before dabs existed and the idea of legally growing and using cannabis in Oklahoma was inconceivable, The Chronisseur debuted in Nug Magazine, a west coast cannabis lifestyle publication. At the time, Hopper was the founder of a referral-only medical cannabis collective in his hometown, San Diego, California. That was just a small part of his now 30 year career in the cannabis industry.

He has been growing since 1989, has traveled the world as tour manager of Kottonmouth Kings and created the strain Kingsblend for them, grew the cover of High Times, was a weed tech for Cannabis Culture magazine before there was such a thing as a “cannabis stylist”, and a litany of other accomplishments that fill out the stoniest resume you’ve ever seen.

The local industry has sadly, but not surprisingly, been infiltrated by far too many get-rich-quickers and laughably inexperienced “master growers”, and will rely on its OGs to retain credibility and avoid implosion as the mainstream comes knocking. Hopper, despite his unfuckwithable credentials, insists that he is just an old school stoner who loves weed, and is grateful to be a part of the Oklahoma cannabis community.

These days he’s one third of RX3 with partners, Ron and Johnny Richter (formerly of Kottonmouth Kings). They, along with another partner, Dusty, own R3m3dy Gardens in Tecumseh, an indoor and outdoor facility that focuses on both hydroponic and organic cultivation. Hopper also produces RHO (Rosin Hash Oil) a highly potent solventless concentrate that he created while living in Humboldt County, California. After turning down a few job offers in the Oklahoma market, Hopper knew the time was right to finally make the move when he and yours truly found out they were expecting a baby… not long after his 50th birthday.

Oklahoma has opened its arms to Hopper, and he is grateful for the warm welcome he’s received. He has been truly impressed by the cannabis community here, and loves seeing such genuine excitement in an industry that has become jaded over the years in other states. He recognizes a real culture being born here and is excited about his place in it and proud to be a part of it. Whether it’s in the garden, at the rosin press, at an event (He’ll be at The Brickhouse in Shawnee on 6/2 for the King Klick and Blaze Ya Dead Homie show), or right here at Herbage, Hopper is adamant about shining cannabis in a positive light and looks forward to connecting with others who feel the same way, so if you see him out and about, come up and say High!

Black Flag Is A Team Of Security Experts Black Flag is a team of security experts coming from vastly different backgrounds, all united by one common goal: To help Oklahoma businesses feel safe to carry out their daily activity undisturbed by those who have other plans. ​ e’ve desired our protection services to be genuine assets W for you and your business. Not just trained guards, the Black Flag team is here to support your business goals directly, by making sure we provide expert security services tailored to your specific needs.

Cake

Boss Full Power Cannabis

Reviewed by Hopper Written by Pamela Jayne “This super tight, frosty nugget is fully draped in trichomes and shines like a disco ball. It has very beautiful coloring, with different shades of greens and purples, from light to dark, and is nicely accented by red pistils tucked into the incredibly dense bud. It’s so dense, that when dropped it sounds like a rock hitting the table.

The nose on this is absolutely phenomenal. It has both sweet and floral notes, and also a little bit of a gassy kick.

The terps on this one quickly woke up my salivary glands, and got my mouth watering and ready for the hit.

Wow, it is absolutely outstanding! It’s floral and sweet, with a little bit of a grape gas taste, but mostly a decadent cakelike flavor. The hit is super smooth- not at all harsh on the lungs. It was obviously flushed well, and also has a nice cure. Big props to the grower for that. One of my biggest pet peeves is when someone grows a beautiful crop, and

then ruins it by not properly flushing it and/or rushing the cure. The hit was smooth and delicious and was followed by a moderately sedating cerebral sensation that weaves its way through every nook and cranny of the brain to carry away the worries of the day. It’s a great anxiety reliever and mood enhancer. As far as the physical effects, it provides instant relaxation in the shoulders, neck, and back. I really appreciate how long lasting the physical relief was. This strain would be helpful for anyone in need of pain management, muscle relaxation, or just a break after a long day.

All in all, the Cake Boss from Full Power Cannabis in Edmond is a top shelf selection that really showcases the best of Oklahoma medical cannabis, and was a perfect way to kick off The Chronisseur in Herbage.

Find more about Pull Power www.fullpowerok.com I’m beyond stoked to be here in this beautiful state, to be part of the Herbage family, and to see what next month’s offerings are.”

Be sure to grab a copy of Herbage each month to see what Oklahoma is smokin’ on, and what our very own Chronisseur has to say about it.

Tarostrology Aries Season March 21 - April 19, 2022

by Anna Ervin

one that boasts authority and power. “I am the protector of my thoughts, my goals, and dreams.” “I am in charge of the thoughts I allow to flow, the actions I allow to manifest, the reality I create.”

Taurus - Five of Wands

Conflict in energy and ideas, confusion, lack of understanding.

Something in your life isn’t quite flowing, Taurus, and it’s likely it involves the ideals of the people that surround you. This card is a clear indicator that the people and situations in your life are challenging your ideas. This could look like unsolicited opinions from those around you, opposition in the pursuit of your goals, or a sudden disruption of energy created by someone who just doesn’t understand you. It’s possible that those around you are not able to clearly communicate their feelings at this time, creating a lot of confusion around the conflict. Now, more than ever, stay true to your beliefs. If something in your life is working for you, it shouldn’t matter what anyone else thinks.

Welcome to my favorite season of the year, Aries season.

Every March, whether the sun comes out or not, I crawl out of my winter slumber and come alive once again. The cards I pulled for my own placements this cycle seemed to carry an overall theme of stepping into my own power, taking time away from society’s hustle and bustle to focus on inner strength and growth, and continuing that theme, stop caring so much about what other people think. Easier said than done, right?

Remember that you can use your big four, or even the entire birth chart to give yourself a more in-depth reading.

For a quick four-card spread, read your cards using the following placements: Sun: Ego, the core of your being Moon: Emotions Ascendant: Mask, surface value Venus: Love, intimate relationships

Aries - King of Swords

Mental clarity, intellectual power, authoritative thought patterns. Firm and traditional ways of thinking.

Which comes first, the thought or the action? For most of the human race, the answer to this question is quite simple, but for Aries (myself included), it’s almost reminiscent of the old chicken-egg riddle. The king of swords, however, invites us to slow down and give a little more consideration to our thoughts. Perhaps they do come first, we’re just too hasty in our reactions to even notice them. Perhaps… they have a little more power than we realize. What can you learn this season from the role your thoughts play in dictating your actions? Could you afford to discipline the workings of your mind? Try taking control of your reality by shifting the narrative you feed yourself to

Gemini - King of Wands

Leadership, strong vision, authoritative energy.

Dear Gemini, this is your season to get sh*t done.

If you’ve been waiting for a sign to finally tackle that project, take off in your career, or fully embody your own entrepreneurial spirit, this is it. The king of wands is a clear indicator that you have tapped into your inner boss, and you may find that your leadership skills have been fine-tuned for the endeavors that lie ahead. The people in your life might look to you at this time for direction, and the universe is inviting you to share your unique vision with them. Right now, you have the determination and foundation to not only follow through but to create opportunities for those around you.

Cancer - Ace of Swords

Blessings in the form of intellect, a new perspective, mindfulness.

Have you ever heard the quote, “change your thoughts, change your world?” The ace of swords reminds my sweet Cancer friends of the empowerment they can find through mindfulness. New perspectives and thought patterns should flow into your life with ease during this season, inviting you to shift the narrative of your external reality as well. The only challenge here is asking yourself what kind of perspective and thought patterns you’re willing to entertain.

What are those patterns trying to teach you? What sort of new information becomes available to you when you’re able to shift your perspective? There is something to be learned from everything during this time. Keep your eyes and ears (and mind) open.

Leo - Queen of Swords

Boundaries, independence, intuition.

The queen of swords’ quiet, cold nature may not feel the most natural for fiery Leos, but I’ve never known a lion to back down from a challenge. This season brings lessons in the responsibility you carry to honor your limitations. While being the warm, inviting, happy-go-lucky character in everyone’s life has always been your pride and joy, you are now being called to take a look at the standards you hold yourself to. If you’ve been feeling taken advantage of, depleted, or overwhelmed, it may be time to reinforce some of the boundaries you hold within your relationships, home life, and career.

Virgo - Nine of Pentacles

Material abundance, success in home and career through spiritual awareness.

This season is all about enjoying the fruits of your labors, Virgo. We all know you’ve worked hard to earn the abundance that now flows into the areas of your life that earth signs covet the most: home and career. The nine of pentacles also indicates success correlated to spiritual awareness and growth. If this has been a season of enlightenment for you, that newfound relationship with the Divine could be playing a beneficial role in your material world.

Libra - Ten of Pentacles

Wealth, inheritance, support through family The ten of pentacles is always a good indicator for your material well-being. This season should bring financial blessings and abundance into your life, Libra.

Sometimes an indicator that these valuable resources could come through your family or community, you can certainly expect to see you, and those in your life, finding a bit more comfort within the home when this card comes up. At the same time, you may feel a responsibility to help those in your life or give back to your community. You worked hard to achieve this success, Libra, and in my opinion, you’ve earned the right to share it however you choose. Never let anyone tell you what to do with that big heart of yours.

Scorpio - The Hermit

Solitude, stepping away from society, quiet The hermit is a card that should feel familiar to many Scorpio placements. Stepping outside of society’s norms, taking time off for the sake of self-improvement and growth, and keeping a quiet, reserved attitude when necessary can be your greatest strengths.

This season delivers an ideal time for you to step into a season of solitude and self-reflection, in order to improve yourself and your state of life. It’s okay to take some time for yourself, just don’t get too cozy in self-isolation. This is just a season.

Sagittarius - Six of Pentacles Community, giving back

Fiery Sagittarius, the cards this month place emphasis on your community work or the energy you give to others. If you’re someone who always looks out for others and plays a major role in giving back to the community, are you ensuring that the scales are balanced? On the other hand, if you’re someone who hasn’t invested much time or resources in others, can you find a cause that piques your interest?

Energy (time, resources, money) works best when it finds a healthy flow, so take a step back and ask yourself if any of these areas in your life have become stagnant.

Capricorn - Four of Swords Meditation, reflection

Sometimes we get so involved with the thoughts and worries occupying our minds, that we find ourselves overwhelmed and anxious. The four of swords reminds Capricorn placements that a little bit of quiet reflection can go a long way. Take a step back if you’ve been trying to tackle everything at once, and try to take it one step at a time. Practicing intention with your thoughts will help you build strong intellectual foundations that help you process and handle the hurdles life throws your way.

Aquarius - Four of Cups

Discontent, closed-heart, stubborn Aquarius, the universe is offering you blessings in your love life and relationships, but you’re refusing to see them for what they are. If you’ve been praying for one specific outcome to happen, try to detach yourself and open your heart to new possibilities. These blessings may not look quite as appealing at first, but they offer important lessons and growth in love, intimacy, and emotional connection nonetheless. Perhaps the love or connection you seek can be found within you, rather than from others. Of course, it’s okay to expect and strive to achieve more in your relationships, just make sure you are still practicing gratitude for the little things you receive and learn about yourself along the way.

Pisces - The Chariot

Clear direction, intention, willpower Sweet Pisces, this month the chariot invites a season of progress and potentially great success. Now, more than usual, your energy is perfectly focused and your vision is clear. Pair this wave of intention and determination with your natural ability to dream big and you’ll be unstoppable. This is a good time to really charge forward with your goals and plans, take action on a new project or life path, and trust your vision. The chariot reminds us that direction, discipline, and follow-through can help you build momentum and set you up for success.

31

Strain Of The Month

tim. None of us are. I thought about the task at hand. Sarcastically, I started to write.

Grape Biscotti - Mowdy Farms

By James Bridges

I may catch a ton of heat for this statement, but one of my least favorite strains is Girl Scout Cookies. So when I was asked to give a few nuggs a whirl and I noticed that scent we all love or “hate”, I was, at the least, skeptical of what I was about to experience.

I only had a few days to give this strain a really good review and the anxiety was starting to rise. I realized that I needed to give this a fair and honest time with my palette in order to attempt to write something down on paper that resembles a review.

I started to think about times in the past. I would allow the anxiety to take over when it came to tasks that I assumed I would regret. I knew at some point that I had something that needed to be done in order for me to accomplish my goals. Many times it wasn’t fun. Even more times, I made the assumption that it would not be worth the effort.

I started to become depressed.

Why do I do this to myself? I asked. Why is it that I place myself into situations in order to either pass or fail. There is never an in between… (The cruel judgment we put ourselves through in order to grasp the entire complacency of victimhood…)

I finally jumped out of that winding rut of a trail. I’m not a vicAfter diving into the nature of how cannabis works and effects our bodies, we also dove into the vastness of the Entourage Effect.

The Entourage Effect showed us how everything synergistically works with our bodies. WIth that we have the smell and flavors of the hour, Terpenes!

Whilst waddling in my ‘first world problem’ damnation, I had been smoking this Grape Biscotti from Mowdy Farms. I noticed that the taste wasn’t what I had assumed at all.

This was actually a beautiful tasting flower. Yes I could taste the cookies. But it wasn’t that ‘twang’ I dislike when smoking GSC. The gassy aftertaste reminded me there was some real fire going down those pipes.

I couldn’t wait for the effect.

I eventually noticed that my depression was gone. I was in a nice happy and relaxed headspace. I could actually function creatively. It was a high that gets you back into the game, with just a little soft landing.

This strain is a creeper and it’s definitely good medicine. Caryophyllene is the main terpine in this strain, which is easy to spot with it’s distinct aroma. It is known for its calming effect. It also helps to reduce anxiety and depression.

STRAIN: Grape Biscottie CULTIVATOR: Mowdy Farms THC: 27.1% TOTAL TERP: 3.11% DISPENSARY: Local Leaf RX 19680 S. Gordon Cooper Dr. Tecumseh, OK

Limonene has a ton of other benefits as well! It is the second most abundant terpene in nature. As with many beneficial substances, limonene is produced in the trichomes or flowers of the cannabis plant. It is found in a variety of cultivars as well as citrus fruits, pine, juniper, rosemary, celery, fennel, caraway, and mint.

There are two varieties of limonene: d-limonene has a distinct citrusy odor, while l-limonene smells rather like turpentine. Limonene is used in commercial food flavorings, cosmetics, fragrances, and cleaning products, along with being popular for its use in aromatherapy.

We are going to journey into the world of terpenes!

As part of the entourage effect, limonene interacts with several cannabinoids including CBD-A, CBC-A, THC-A, CBG, and CBC; it also functions alongside other terpenes such as beta-caryophyllene and linalool to positively impact the effect of cannabis cultivars containing these terpenes as well as limonene. It has been found to increase the permeability of cell membranes, or how easily substances pass into and out of the cell wall, which could contribute to this effect. One of limonene’s significant properties is reducing the anxiety that can be produced by THC as well as producing a feeling of well-being.

First up is one of my all time favorite terpenes, Limonene!

It’s great for my anxiety and depression.

This uplifts spirits with no heart race feeling.

Due to the nature of how each grower breeds, the cultivar’s genetics could possibly switch the potency of any terpene normally found in the strains. When looking for your Terpene profile best suit-

Terpenes are the aromatic compounds found in many plants. These are the compounds that give you the smells that make you salivate or turn your nose. In cannabis many like to use the saying, “The Nose Knows Best!”. This is in regards to the aromas of the terpenes. Terpenes are how we primarily pick our Cultivars, they are responsible for heightening the cannabinoids so you may get the full benefits from your cannabis experience.

ed for you, I would suggest asking your bud-tenders for the COA which breaks down each compound found in each cultivar. Not every terpene works the same for everyone. You have to listen to your body and take note of how you react.

The vast universe of cannabis awaits!

Universal Cannabis

101 Terpenes: Limonene

by Jasmine Harvey

Cultivars:

Bennefits:

Tropicana Cookies Durban Poison Hindu Kush Cookies and Cream GG4 Liberty Haze Lemon G Sour Diesel 2

Anti-Fungal Stress Reliever Relieves Anxiety Relieves Heartburn Increase Blood Flow Antibacterial Improves absorption of other terpenes

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Freedom Flower Chet Tucker By

After some discussions with Herbage on transitioning into a new column, we agreed that an open column around the freedom fight for our basic rights to cultivate and choice to medicate was a win-win. The column will sweep over a broad range of topics concerning the reversal of the century-long “laws” that were established for a myriad of reasons to the basic right to cultivate any fruit, vegetable, flower or weed. We’ve come to a point where we are awakening to the power of numbers and overcoming the stigmas that were built via the hypnotic propaganda machine. To “govern” the “mental” (“government”) is a calculated assault on our basic human rights to choose freely.

We’ll dive deep into some “higher” thoughts and question the systematic thumbs that have been hovering over our natural born freedoms.

So, let’s dive into where we are today and then move back in time (with some sidebar musings along the way) to when no other man or woman could dictate our choice to Mother Earth. Today, we sit at a place where a majority of the United States of America have legalized cannabis in the medicinal or recreational form. As of the time of this article, 18 states (plus D.C.) are fully legal for “recreational” consumption. I won’t get too far off track but this is one of my personal WTF’s in a sense that it’s marked as “recreational” or “adult use” but alcohol doesn’t have any legal tags other than an age range which would be considered “adult use”. It’s been accepted for so long that it’s not considered “medicinal” or “recreational”. Obviously, cannabis has a proven medicinal track record so why categorize it either way unless you plan to further control and tax a medicine? With that, we have another 19 states that are medicinally legal for a total of 37 states - a landslide majority that should ratify on the base medicinal level.

© Chet Tucker Photography

So, at this point ... why hasn’t it been decriminalized?

Why has the federal government not descheduled the plant? It wouldn’t have anything to do with the weight of a pharmaceutical mafia and it’s pumping billions into the pockets of those that took oaths to serve the interests of the people? It wouldn’t have anything to do with the sweeping taxes (increased in nearly every recreational/ adult program) earned by good ol’ Uncle Sam? It wouldn’t have to do with the incarcerations that siphon off billions of tax dollars to fund, run, and control corporate prison systems? Surely, it’s all done to help regulate the health of its citizens ... and the answer is of course they control the health via controlling the substances deemed acceptable by the overarching (reaching) medical ownership.

We are just scratching the service of where plant based medicines begin flipping the tipping point and our birthrights are returned to choose, without penalty, that of which best suits our own bodies and minds. Should there be some regulation and policing of cannabis, I’d say yes.

We certainly need to ensure that a product marketed as 20mgs of THC is properly processed and dosed so that there’s a controlled measurement and safety for those that are consuming cannabis. However, does that mean excessive taxes and a cap on how many personal plants we can grow in our own space? Allergies to peanuts, seafood, and things like tomatoes can cause more harm (and death) than cannabis but what strict laws are imposed to impede such growth or consumption? It’s not that far of a comparable stretch when you really stop to think. We’ll catch you next month as we dig into some of Oklahoma’s current laws and some of the bills that may impact us in the near future.

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Pollen Nation Cultivation pollennationcultivation.com pollen_nation_cult Pollen Nation Cultivation

TO A L

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TY T E

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Lotus Letters The Event

By Kathleen Barker It’s the middle of the day and suddenly you can’t help but notice a sensation of anticipation. Something is different.

Something’s headed your way and somewhere in your mind you get the strangest feeling akin to “Ah, finally.” upon opening the curtains you squint and ask yourself, “What the F***”

Dearest Daring Divine, Many channelers and QHHT practitioners across the world have spoken about something commonly referred to as ‘The Event.’ or ‘The Great Solar Flash.’ A cyclical evolutionary occasion so grand, that it will act as a catalyst for literally shifting the planet from third dimensional frequency to 5th dimensional frequency. It only happens every 26’000 years, so this will be our first time being able to see it! Believe me when I tell you, it is nothing to be feared. It will be a literal splitting of vibrational densities. No more fear. No more lack. No more wasting unreasonable and unnecessary amounts of energy to have the bare minimum for survival. These dark tyrants who sit on a “Golden” hill while we try and keep our head above the surface will not survive the paradigm shift and new energies. For it is centered on LOVE, compassion, and community.

These solar flares and flashes are already occurring now in smaller scales to prepare us for the larger wave that is on it’s way. No firm date has surfaced, but many feel 2024 is the year.

There were other years that were felt to have been the time such as 2012 or 2020. And for some people it was. There are many who left the third dimension behind, as the event has already happened for them. Remember, Time isn’t linear, it’s more like a spiral!

Some precursors that have been mentioned are increased turmoil and fear within the people we’re all already pretty ticked off, but hey - Russia and Ukraine seem to be showing that it can indeed get worse. Some other signs are increased natural disasters like earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and severe storms. Even a small period of ‘blackout’ or ‘darkness.’

The ‘Event’ has been said to manifest as a beautiful wave, a wall cloud spanning miles high and shimmering in gold-ish rainbow iridescence! For more of a scientific definition, it’s a massive fifth dimensional gamma light ray that ejects from the sun which will evolve every aspect of consciousness! For those who’ve done the inner work, it will feel like a blanket of love, knowing, and bliss when it hits them. For others who are more ignorant to themselves and spirituality as a whole, it may be very dazing. One thing is pretty understood though, it will be intense for all. Throughout history, many cultures have spoken of The event through different ‘myths’ ‘prophecies’ or religious teachings that focus on the end times. Each perspective carries similar markers and information. This topic is vast and rich, I highly recommend using your discernment and taking what resonates with you while leaving what does not. Here are some helpful Teachers with a wealth of information. Furthermore, just do some digging on ‘new earth’ and ‘the great solar flash’ for yourself! [Dolores Cannon] [Allison Coe] [Elizabeth April] Fairfarren love,

The YOUniverse

Exploration Of Minds

Neurodivergence & Cannabis

By Kathy Barker, After putting myself under the microscope, as it were, I wanted to know more about the effect THC had on the neurodivergent community. After all, I couldn’t be the only one that ‘every day’ tokers would go wide eyed towards after hearing how I react to Delta 9 (THC). For me it’s like Alice In Wonderland. Hallucinations and all, as I conveyed in a prior piece ‘Validation Station.’

My reaction also couldn’t be the only one being experienced within said neurodivergent community. ‘Weed’ isn’t that cut and dry. It’s a consciousness, a teacher, and it will express itself differently for everyone based on what an individual needs to learn or receive at the time.

Incidentally, when I first began my journey with cannabis It didn’t relate to me like it does in the present day. It was more grounded. If you enjoy word banks, these could adequately describe how I used to feel when I partook: [ puffy, soft, muffled, buffered, disarmed ] It was good for me in the sense that it softened the effects of my being an empath. It softened the world. I feel EVERYTHING. Or at least that’s how it seems. Going to Walmart? Yeah, that’s a hard no. I digress.

My hunt for other perspectives began with a good friend of mine from high-school named Phillip M. He experiences the world through a lens of Autism, or as he likes to call it, an “Aspy’s” lens.

I started by asking him how Cannabis made him feel?

More specifically, what was different about his state of mind/being when he smoked, verses when he didn’t?

“For me it’s a crucial night night med. I have a vape pen that’s like 3%. My mind never stops. I cannot help but analyze everything that I see. If I don’t have 3-5 puffs before bed, it takes me forever to wind down. And it’s not like it shuts my brain down like Leo from ‘That 70’s Show’. It’s more like it opens up the filing system and allows me to store the information much more efficiently. My body may be vegged out for those 30 minutes, but my brain is in hyperdrive. I guess it allows me greater control and focus in that. Also, when I do partake the night before, it’s almost like I wake up with a clean RAM and hard drive. Like I’ve got more energy and more social battery. In autistic words, I have more spoons,” Phillip explained.

I asked him if he could explain what “more spoons” meant, and he stated : “The idea of spoons is basically an autistic person only has so many spoons in their drawer. Depending on the individual, certain tasks use spoons. I.E. Taking a shower may cost a spoon to someone with touch sensitivity. Going shopping may cost 3-5 spoons depending on the stress involved. Busy Traffic, a crowded store, they moved stuff around in the store, etc. When you’re out of spoons, you’re done. Even stuff that you would normally enjoy doing, you can’t do. You’re completely overstimulated at that point. Now ‘stimming’ you may have a chance to regain a spoon or two just to finish the day, but that is

even more individualistic.”

Oh! For those of you who don’t understand what ‘stimming’ (self stimulating behavior) is, its repetitive non typical movements or sounds. It’s something to help cope and manage burnout or overwhelm.

Now, when it comes to preferences on strain, Phillip conveyed he enjoys Indica to be sure when it comes to his neurodiversity. Sativa was only used for more spiritual practices. As he awesomely put it: “It’s like windex for my monocle over my third eye. It’s a quick cheat if my mind is a little cloudy.”

For him, there wasn’t much of an unpleasant experience with any method of partaking so far as he could tell. He had “good friends that actually cared and made sure the dosing was right with edibles.” he went on to explain that they made sure he waited to feel the effects before trying more.

Now taking a slight detour from THC and bringing up CBD, Phillip commented that he loves that cannabinoid too! Dealing with many sports injuries, it takes his usual 3-5 pain level down to a 0.

It doesn’t have much change on his mental state other than the euphoria of not being in constant discomfort. Not a bad benefit, I’d say.

It’s beautiful to get an up close look at the nurturing qualities Mama Gaia can offer through something as simple as a plant called cannabis. It’s been so misunderstood by so many, and finally it’s being given the opportunity to show how much help it can offer to every kind of community.

Thank you Phillip! And thank all of you for believing!

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Faithful

Healing

By Carisa Rowe

On the east side of Lake Texoma, in a small Oklahoma town just a few miles north of the Texas border, Abraham and Melinda Evans are shaking up the cannabis industry. This entrepreneurial duo has dedicated themselves to sharing what they genuinely believe is God’s medicine. Southeast Oklahoma has been the Evans’ home for a decade; they moved back to the region to care for Abraham’s grandmother when her health was wavering. It was the decision to come home for the family that sowed the seeds for Elevated Native, the Evans’ booming dispensary located in Calera, OK. The story begins in 1998 when Abraham moved to Colorado.

The timing of the move put him in the perfect place to witness the birth of the state’s medical marijuana industry. Along this leg of his journey, Evans was still a recreational cannabis user – one who was always seeking a bigger or better high. His appreciation for the plant and its hallucinogenic effects eventually led him to a colleague who was making a powerful cannabis concoction known as “phoenix tears.” Phoenix tears did not look like weed but he took some of the dark, tar-like substance with him and shared it with friends. Evans emphasizes that they partied all weekend with concoction, experiencing intense highs from heavily the concentrated tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in the thick, earthy goop.

Abraham returned to his friend searching for more and explained how they had partied all weekend and felt amazing.

Evans’ colleague called him an idiot. He explained that Phoenix Tears were medicine. Evans learned how highly concentrated cannabis oil was being used to treat cancer and other illnesses.

Stories of natural healing and wellness without pharmaceutical side effects converted Evans’ mindset about cannabis. He stopped viewing it as a party drug and started respecting it for its infinite health applications. In fact, Evans set out to make the medicine accessible to everyone.

One night as he was picking through a bag of flower to recover shelf-worthy buds, Evans realized that he could do something with the unsellable trim and larf (airy and loose cannabis flowers) and he decided to go into the concentrates business intent to make more Phoenix Tears. The concentrates operation kicked off with KitchenAid appliances and before long, it dawned on Evans that he could help even more folks by reducing his cost to manufacture. Before long, Evans and a couple of friends were in the cultivation business. The operation began in a log cabin where Abraham willingly slept the couch and floor so that the bedrooms could house grow setups, but the arrangement came to a halt when his grandmother’s health began to fail in 2012. Evans, now married to Melinda, returned to Oklahoma and hung up his hat on the cannabis industry. Within a few years of making the faithful journey home for family, the state began to buzz with talk of a medical cannabis market of its very own.

After Oklahoma legalized cannabis for medical applications in 2018, Evans prompted his grandmother to try a tiny dose of a compound known as RSO, or Rick Simpson Oil. The dose helped her sleep better than she had in ages and it helped her manage the pains that accompanied her every day. Now in her late eighties and a cannabis connoisseur in her own right, Grandma Marlene calls weed “a cure all.” In fact, it was Grand-

ma Marlene who encouraged Abraham and Melinda to open a weed store in Calera. It was through her blessing and daily prayer that they created and opened Elevated Native. The shop was built on three founding principles: faith, experience, and community.

Those principles are imbued in the very bones of their shop.

During the renovations for Elevated Native, the Evans’ inscribed Bible verses on the studs and support beams. Patients comment often that the store feels safe and comforting and the Evans know that it is because they are shrouded in faith. Melinda and Abraham are proud to have a nurse practitioner, Emily Ault, on staff to guide patients in their treatment choices. They are also proud of Tara Dollar, their resident social media expert, and a patient advocate of the highest caliber. The Elevated Native team offers their patients a wealth of knowledge and experience regarding cannabis and its therapeutic applications.

Their approach to education and accessibility sets them apart from their peers.

Accessibility is a major concern for the Evans.’ It was early in his journey with Phoenix Tears, now most known as RSO, that Abraham resolved to bring the medicine to as many people as possible by making it affordable. With the official grand opening of Elevated Native taking place on April 1st, the cannabis couple has managed to amass a vast selection of flower for its patients and a wide variety of other medication options including concentrates, topicals, edibles, and tinctures. In the pursuit to enrich their community through cannabis access, the Evans’ have developed some incredible relationships with local cultivators. Those community ties have paved the way for Elevated Native to be Oklahoma’s “Home of the $100 Ounce”. The store currently boasts more than fifty varietals of flower, many of which fall into the store’s $100 price category.

Having a large variety allows them to address a wide number of medical concerns. They actively seek new flower based on its therapeutic effects. One of their most in-demand flowers is “University of Washington,” a low-THC, high terpene varietal that is rumored to have been stolen from a research lab on the campus of UW. Melinda extols it for its migraine-busting power as well as its ability to stave off menstrual cramps. Other patients have exclaimed its efficacy against Fibromyalgia pain.

The Evans are currently searching for veteran-friendly varietals such as Harley Quinn, 3 Bears OG, and Spec Ops, all of which have been shown to be beneficial in treating PTSD, depression, and anxiety.

With a tiny seed of faith, unknowingly planted in 2012, The Evans’ have managed to sow a field of opportunities for their patients and colleagues. They continue to expand their inventory – aiming to always keep a rotation of two hundred varietals on shelf. They continue to expand their network, building relationships that provide penny RSO programs, food, and clothing drives, and so much more.

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The Cannxiety

Chronicles

3

Last time I discussed how cannabis and anxiety interact. It’s something I feel so strongly about, I named an Expo after it, “Cannxiety 2022”. A pandemic of sorts is exploding as new cases of anxiety and depression arise. Both of which are woefully misunderstood and growing in numbers with every new mandate. Some people actually think depression and anxiety are the same thing. While they do both have certain symptoms in common, they ARE NOT the same thing. One thing they do have in common though, and that is cannabis can be successfully used to help certain people battle the symptoms of both mental conditions.

Depression is almost the opposite of Anxiety in one way. While one of the major symptoms of Anxiety is increased breathing and heart rate, depression sometimes brings on fatigue and loss of interest in activities. Cannabis can help with both.

Depression, like Anxiety, is not something you “cure”. What works for some doesn’t always work for others. The symptoms of depression affect everyone differently and at different levels of intensity. It’s so dynamic that even what worked for you once may not work the same again.The best approach is layering your medication when dealing with your mental health solutions. A variety of therapies help you stay focused while also providing activities and habits that can help lower the intensity of future symptoms.

Those layers of depression therapy should include some form of the following: Establish a line of communication with a mental health professional. This could be a counselor or therapist available through your school, workplace or church.

Find natural foods that promote natural energy like bananas, oatmeal, dark chocolate and water to fight fatigue.

Track your symptoms and how you experienced and dealt with them in a journal.

Include remedies that reflect both mental and physical solutions. This will help battle “loss of interest”, a common symptom of depression.

Take a yoga class to help fight low self-esteem.

Volunteer. Helping others is an amazingly powerful therapy in itself. Whether it is helping the local food pantry or public charity event, the time spent focusing on others can help increase your own sense of hope and worth.

Consider including cannabis in your therapy regiment. CBD, THC and many other cannabinoids found in cannabis have shown to be a powerful weapon when fighting symptoms of depression. Symptoms like fatigue, irritability, low appetite, sleeping disorders and excessive worrying can be successfully battled with proper cannabis therapy.

The reason cannabis is successful in battling depression is based on the same model most pharmaceutical companies use. The manipulation of dopamine and serotonin in the body. This is done at a cellular level and takes place in the central nervous system. The normal neuron to neuron communication that’s responsible for releasing and limiting how much dopamine and serotonin we get to use.

Prescription drugs do this with SSRI or Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors.

They literally stop the body from reabsorbing some of the serotonin released in an effort to increase its usage and thereby reverse your depression. Cannabis uses chemicals, namely THC, to do basically the same thing. But cannabis does it naturally. This model of cannabis compounds known as cannabinoids and their relationship with the central nervous system is the basis of the endocannabinoid system (The ECS).

Teaching others about cannabis works and specifically how it interacts with symptoms of Anxiety and Depression is the sole focus of Uncle Chuck’s Cannabis Camp (The UCCC). Come visit us at theuccc.com.

Next month I will cover the importance of understanding the symptoms of Anxiety and Depression and your ability to tell your story. We each have our own story and they are as important as they are unique. Fear and embarrassment often hold us back from receiving the help we need and living our best lives. I will be using this to tell my personal story in hopes that it inspires others to do so as well. www.unclechuck420.com

Charles “Uncle Chuck” Duncan

Educating & Elevating Hearts & Minds

​ncle Chucks Cannabis Camp offers U Cannabis Education in an easy to understand format and focused on helping groups and individuals with Anxiety or Depression that are looking to include cannabis into their treatment regiment.

Classes are available Online or In-Person.

Individual classes Group classes Cannacian Certification Classes (Levels 1 to 3)* Cannabis Primers Addressing Anxiety/Depression with Cannabis Don’t let Anxiety or Depression stop you from living life. Cannabis can help you enjoy it once again. myecstherapy.orG

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Thoughts from the Okie-Verse A lot of people spend time figuring out who they “really” are...

I think we shouldn’t let who we are get in the way of who we are trying to become.

I wonder if self-forgiveness & acceptance is a direct path to motivation & growth?

I think only astronauts blast off.... we have all been blasting in.

Don’t sweat the petty things, just pet the sweaty things.

Joe Okie

March 7th